Note [original edition] : This letter is sometimes made the title of the chapter, but its
meaning is confessedly uncertain. They who suppose it stands for the word Nûn
are not agreed as to its signification in this place; for it is not only the
name of the letter
N in
Arabic, but signifies also
an inkhorn, and a
fish; some
are of opinion the former signification is the most proper here, as consonant
to what is immediately mentioned of
the pen, and
writing, and, considering that
the blood of certain
fish is good ink, not inconsistent with the latter
signification; which is, however, preferred by others, saying that either the
whole species of
fish in general is thereby intended, or the fish which
swallowed
Jonas (who is mentioned in this chapter,) or else that vast one
called
Behemoth, fancied to support the earth, in particular. Those who
acquiesce in none of the foregoing explications have invented others of their
own, and imagine this character stands for the
table of God’s
decrees, or one
of the rivers in paradise, &
c.
1.
-
1
Al Zamakh. Al Beidawi, Yahya.